While preparing a report, a researcher has gathered the following information:The Hubble Space Telescope was launched by NASA in 1990.It...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While preparing a report, a researcher has gathered the following information:
- The Hubble Space Telescope was launched by NASA in 1990.
- It orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 547 kilometers above sea level.
- The telescope uses a 2.4-meter primary mirror to collect light from distant celestial objects.
- Its Advanced Camera for Surveys can capture images in both visible and ultraviolet wavelengths.
- The telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the universe by providing unprecedented views of galaxies, nebulae, and other cosmic phenomena.
- Images from Hubble have been featured in countless scientific publications and popular media.
The researcher wants to explain the telescope's capabilities to a general audience. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990, and since then it has been orbiting Earth at about 547 kilometers above sea level.
With its 2.4-meter mirror and Advanced Camera for Surveys, the Hubble Space Telescope captures detailed images of galaxies and nebulae, revolutionizing our view of the universe.
The Hubble Space Telescope has been featured in countless scientific publications and popular media since its launch in 1990.
The telescope's mirror collects light from distant objects, and its camera can capture images in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Hubble Space Telescope was launched by NASA in 1990." |
|
| "It orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 547 kilometers above sea level." |
|
| "The telescope uses a 2.4-meter primary mirror to collect light from distant celestial objects." |
|
| "Its Advanced Camera for Surveys can capture images in both visible and ultraviolet wavelengths." |
|
| "The telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the universe by providing unprecedented views of galaxies, nebulae, and other cosmic phenomena." |
|
| "Images from Hubble have been featured in countless scientific publications and popular media." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes provide comprehensive information about Hubble's technical capabilities and their transformative impact on our understanding of the universe.
Argument Flow: The information progresses from basic facts about the telescope's origins and location, to its key technical features that enable its work, to the revolutionary scientific impact these capabilities have achieved, and finally to the widespread recognition of its contributions.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Focus on what the telescope can actually do (not just when it launched or where it orbits)
- Include the key technical features that enable its work (like the mirror and camera)
- Connect these capabilities to meaningful results that a general audience can appreciate
- Avoid overly technical language while still being substantive
- The right answer should combine Hubble's key technical capabilities with their significant real-world impact in terms that resonate with a general audience
NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990, and since then it has been orbiting Earth at about 547 kilometers above sea level.
- Focuses only on launch date and orbital position
- Doesn't address capabilities at all - just basic facts about when and where
- Misses the key requirement to explain what the telescope can do
With its 2.4-meter mirror and Advanced Camera for Surveys, the Hubble Space Telescope captures detailed images of galaxies and nebulae, revolutionizing our view of the universe.
- Combines key technical capabilities (2.4-meter mirror, Advanced Camera) with meaningful impact (detailed images, revolutionizing our view)
- Perfect balance for general audience - specific enough to be informative, impactful enough to be engaging
- Directly addresses capabilities and connects them to significant outcomes
The Hubble Space Telescope has been featured in countless scientific publications and popular media since its launch in 1990.
- Focuses on media coverage rather than capabilities
- Tells us about the telescope's fame but not what it can actually do
- Trap: Students might think this effectively communicates to a general audience because it mentions "popular media," but it doesn't explain capabilities
The telescope's mirror collects light from distant objects, and its camera can capture images in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths.
- Mentions capabilities (mirror collects light, camera captures wavelengths) but stays purely technical
- Lacks the impact/significance that would make capabilities meaningful to a general audience
- Trap: Students might choose this because it's technically accurate about capabilities, but it misses the "general audience" requirement by being too dry and technical